Lynch quits Eagles, Carlton loom

Lynch quits Eagles, Carlton loom - The West Australian

UPDATE: Carlton are looming as strong contenders to lure Quinten Lynch from West Coast after the Eagles today confirmed the veteran forward had quit the club.

Lynch, an unrestricted free agent after playing 209 games in 11 years, has rejected a one-year offer from West Coast.

"It's very disappointing to lose a player of Quinten's standing," West Coast list manager Craig Vozzo said today.

"He has been an integral player at our club for more than a decade and we were hopeful that he would continue with us in 2013.

"He was a required player and played 22 of the 24 games the club played this year. He has been a valuable contributor and was a member of our 2006 premiership team."

The Blues are now contemplating whether to offer the 29-year-old a two-year contract.

Lynch's manager Colin Young hasspent the bulk of this week in Melbourne discussing the player's prospects with at least three clubs.

At least one club is understood to have performed a medical on Lynch. The Blues appear to be the strongest suitor.

Collingwood, linked in speculation to Lynch because of their liking for the back-up ruck-forward role that Leigh Brown played so well for them in their 2010 premiership, have denied making any approach.

The Eagles, mindful of the need to get games into youngster Fraser McInnes, have offered Lynch a one-year contract extension.

Meanwhile, West Coast's trade options for midfielder Koby Stevens, who has told the club he wants to be traded to get more opportunities, could be influenced by contract negotiations in the coming days for Collingwood midfielder Sharrod Wellingham.

There are also possible trade talks on St Kilda's Jamie Cripps, who wants to return to WA after two years with the Saints.

Wellingham looms as a potential trade target for the Eagles and Dockers.

Melbourne are also keen on him.

Stevens' manager Ned Guy said the 21-year-old would soon start talks with a number of Melbourne-based clubs.

"Koby is going to come home and sit down to chat to the clubs that have shown interest," Guy said.

He declined to name the clubs, but it is understood that as many as four - Geelong, North Melbourne, the Western Bulldogs and St Kilda - have shown interest.

Cripps, 20, played 16 games in two seasons for the Saints after being taken in the 2010 national draft.

Stevens, 21, considered unlucky to miss selection several times for West Coast in 2012, played 11 games in three seasons and was the 23rd player taken overall in 2009.

West Coast's contracts and list manager Craig Vozzo said the club regarded Stevens in a similar way as Brad Ebert, who left the club last year to play at Port Adelaide.